Once Upon a Family (A Son’s Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope) is the inspiring story of a young boy who loses his dad.  The story begins with the boy reminiscing about the good times spent with his dad and moves forward to encompass the loss of the dad, how the loss affects the young boy, and ends with the boy’s gentle acceptance of the loss and the comforting assurance that his dad will continue to live on through him. 

The Workbook

The effectiveness of the story is further enhanced by a self-help workbook that serves to guide children toward a better understanding of how their grief is affecting them. Included in the workbook is information about how grief affects the body and mind as well as suggestions for ways that children can help themselves recover from their losses.

Puzzles, mazes, journals, and heartfelt stories of people who have used their losses to make the world a better place will keep children motivated to complete the workbook. 

Advice for Adults

The final section of the book includes practical advice for adults who are working with grieving children. For a counselor, teacher, or family member, Once Upon a Family is sure to be the tool that uses a team approach to help children successfully navigate their grief journeys. Whether the child's loss is the death of a family member, friend, or pet, divorce, ill health, or separation from a parent who is serving our country through military service, Once Upon a Family is certain to touch the lives of all who read it and soothe the grieving child who lives in us all.